Last updated: May 11, 2023
Penalties
Sales Restrictions
Violations of sales restrictions measures are punishable by a notice of a conditional fine or a notice of enforced compliance, which means that a measure that has not been implemented within the time limit set will be carried out at the defaulter’s expense.
Violations may also be punishable by the loss of retail license for a fixed period of at least one week and not more six months if the holder of the retail license continues the violation despite a written warning or a criminal sanction issued by the municipality or other supervisory authority.
Specifically, the sale of smokeless tobacco products is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to six months.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Violations of the locations-based sales restrictions are punishable by a notice of a conditional fine or a notice of enforced compliance, which means that a measure that has not been implemented within the time limit set will be carried out at the defaulter’s expense.
Minimum Retail Package Size
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
If the unit package does not meet packaging and labeling requirements under the law, Valvira (National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health) may prohibit sale, require the product’s withdrawal from the market, issue a temporary prohibition, or require the party to remedy the situation. Valvira may also issue a notice of a conditional fine or a notice of enforced compliance, which means that a measure that has not been implemented within the time limit set will be carried out at the defaulter’s expense.
Violations may also be punishable by the loss of retail license for a fixed period of at least one week and not more six months if the holder of the retail license continues the violation despite a written warning or a criminal sanction issued by the municipality or other supervisory authority.
Minimum Legal Sales Age
Violations of the ban on sales to persons below the age of 18 are punishable by a notice of a conditional fine or a notice of enforced compliance, which means that a measure that has not been implemented within the time limit set will be carried out at the defaulter’s expense.
Violations of the ban on sales to persons below the age of 18 are also punishable by the loss of retail license for a fixed period of at least one week and not more six months if the holder of the retail license continues the violation despite a written warning or a criminal sanction issued by the municipality or other supervisory authority. In addition, individuals are subject to a fine or imprisonment for up to six months.
